Week 21 MLB two-start streaming targets showdown across 34 pitchers scheduled for two starts Aug 18–24, with a clear distinction between under-50% rostered sleepers and popular, rostered bets. Spencer Arrighetti leads theBest Available streamer group for his Houston slate, while Matthew Liberatore offers a steadier floor for WHIP and ERA thanks to favorable Miami and Tampa Bay matchups. The risk tier features Jack Leiter, Jameson Taillon, Dustin May, and Nestor Cortés, each with contrasting risk/reward dynamics against KC, LAA, SF/LAD, and SD/LAD. Post-deadline aftershocks tighten the streaming pool, making pace and pitch mix critiques essential for savvy fantasy managers.

Key names to monitor include Arrighetti, Liberatore, Leiter, Taillon, May, Cortés, and Taillon’s health return, alongside the Padres’ Cortés’ two-start set. The column emphasizes arsenal depth, matchup-driven rostering, and weekly waiver-wire discipline as the landscape shifts after the trade deadline. In weekly waiver-wire terms, these are the kinds of plays that can stabilize ratios while still contributing strikeouts and win potential.

Miguel Amaya’s minor-league rehab is done, and he’s poised for activation with the Cubs, adding catching depth as the 40-man roster reshuffles to clear space for his return. Javier Assad moves onto the 40-man, while Nate Pearson is sent to Triple-A Iowa to make room. Jameson Taillon’s rehab progression hints at a potential Monday start in the doubleheader against Milwaukee, which could shift Ben Brown back to Iowa when rosters expand. The Cubs’ pitching staff gains depth at a critical juncture as Amaya, Assad, and Taillon rejoin the big-league club.

Assad hasn’t pitched this year due to oblique issues, but his path to the bullpen or a spot start in the doubleheader could tighten Chicago’s long relief options. Taillon, after a calf strain, carried a strong run earlier in 2025 (13 starts, 2.99 ERA, 0.919 WHIP) and could be a meaningful set of innings as the rotation re-stabilizes. McGuire’s fate hangs on roster moves, while Nate Pearson’s return to Iowa opens a 40-man slot for Amaya. Activation timing and bullpen roles will shape the Cubs’ immediate fantasy upside and the depth chart through August and September.

Max Muncy and Aaron Judge have rejoined their respective teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, providing much-needed boosts as the season nears its end. Their returns come at a critical juncture, with teams eyeing playoff positions amid a competitive landscape.

The Houston Astros await the return of Yordan Álvarez, whose power bat could seamlessly integrate into their lineup, bolstering a team already strong on the mound. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs look to the returns of Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon to strengthen their rotation after a lackluster pitching performance this season.

In the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays hope for Shane Bieber's resurgence after surgery, aiming to solidify their rotation alongside established stars. The Philadelphia Phillies are also eager for Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola to return, as both have been pivotal to the team's success. The Texas Rangers expect Jake Burger and Evan Carter to deliver much-needed offensive firepower as they seek a playoff spot.

Chicago Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledges the risks associated with acquiring pitcher Michael Soroka, who has a troubled injury history and recently experienced a drop in velocity. Soroka, after a brief stint on the mound for the Cubs, has landed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. This injury follows a concerning trend, as he previously missed time with similar issues while with other teams.

Despite the setback, Hoyer remains optimistic, highlighting that the Cubs' pitching depth, including rehabbing right-handers Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad, can help mitigate the loss. The Cubs still feel that Soroka's talent justified the trade, and they are hopeful he can contribute later in the season.